Demonstrators gather for change to Providence’s homeless encampment removal policy

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Demonstrators gathered outside Providence City Hall on Wednesday to demand change in the city’s policy on removing homeless encampments.

They held signs saying “Where are the shelter beds?” and “Stop the raids start the aid.”

They said the protests will only continue to escalate until police stop removing homeless encampments and Mayor Brett Smiley finds viable alternative housing.

Wednesday’s protest was an escalation from one earlier this month in regard to the story of Michael Neugent, a man who was removed from where he lived on the Orms Street Interstate 95 overpass.

It also followed what protest organizers call a “failed” meeting on Monday between the Rhode Island Homeless Advocacy Project and Providence police.

Demonstrators stated several demands from city officials, including more shelter beds for the hundreds of unhoused people across the city, and an end to alleged harassment against those living in encampments as a way to force them to leave.

ABC 6 News obtained the following statement from a spokesperson for Smiley:

Members of the Administration met with advocates and providers on Monday and had a productive conversation about the many steps the city takes to help unhoused individuals get connected to housing opportunities and care.

Over the last year, we’ve provided $3.4 million in ARPA funding for temporary shelters and increased funding for provider programs like Amos House’s A Hand Up. We are now working towards investing an additional $10 million in ARPA funding for affordable housing development through the Providence Housing Trust. The city also contributes to the state consolidated homeless fund to support statewide efforts to address this national crisis.

Whenever the city receives reports of encampments, the city deploys a coordinated approach with qualified non-profit outreach partners that the city contracts with to engage people with the goal of referral to shelter or housing opportunities that may exist, behavioral health supports and medical care when necessary. Vacate notices have only been served at two locations as part of this process, when either requested by a property owner or it was deemed a risk to the health and safety of the individuals on state property.